After looking at various panels, it seems the Elk M1Gold may be a good choice, but I can find no information on their website about the home automation capabilites, other than a few examples. Does anybody know what the syntax of their 'Rules' is? It looks like the words in capitals are keywords, but I don't have a clue as to the syntax of the language, or if they support flags ('remembered' conditions which can later be used in a trigger). They seem to be pretty proud of it, though... It does support X-10, but I can't figure out how (or if) the X-10 commands are mapped to Zones or Outputs (relays). The Elk seems to have analog inputs, so maybe it can handle Dim levels (we're talking variables here), does anybody know where I can find out about this? This panel has me so excited... Also, can I use more than one type of home automation system at the same time, such as X-10 and Zwave?
I think, the ELK-M1 is realy a good choice. HAI Omni is also a possibility, but much more expensive.
At the ELK-M1 you can define the beheaviour of every input (NO, NC, w/wo EOL-resitor, analog etc), outputs the same way.
For controling X10 modules you need a ($20-cheap) interface, let's say a TW523 or equivalent. That's all.
The programm with which you are instruct your ELK-M1 is named ELK-RP and rather powerfull (or via the keypad)
The lionshare of the beheaviour of your ELK-system is done by "rules".
Yes, you can set flags, take any unused (dummy)outputs for this purpose.
"rules" are not written by yourself as a text, but composed by clicking to requesters. Editing rules too.
So you get automaticly the right syntax. No typing errors. You stay focussed to the logic construction of your problem.
So -for example- if you defined an output as a dimmable X10 module, ... dim-instructions are applicable,
if you defined the X10-output as a switch only, no instructions for dimming are possible and are not offered to click on.
So far a partly answer.
If you are looking to an animal which delivers you eggs and milk and wool and meat ... look for an ELK !